HOBSONS Brewery has created a festive brew with a Shropshire ancient fruit as its special ingredient.

The chief brewer at Hobsons in Cleobury Mortimer has created ‘Postman's Plum Porter’ brewed with the Shropshire Prune Damson, one of the oldest known variety of damson in the UK.

Postman's Plum Porter delivers on provenance and flavour, the brewer following a series of experimentation and tasting has brought out the rich character of the prune damson and balanced with the roasted malts to create a dark porter with a delicate sweetness and maltiness.

"In our spirit of keeping things local, we've created a festive beer that not only celebrates the quintessential Shropshire Prune but also the anniversary of Simon Evans,” said Kate Pearce, Marketing Manager at Hobsons Brewery.

“This year marked 120 years since the birth of Simon Evans, who settled in Cleobury Mortimer after returning from World War I and made a name as a poet postman."

Catherine Moran of Shropshire Damson Prune said it was good to see a local fruit used in the recipe.

"It's fantastic to see a local business revitalise an ancient fruit in a commercial product,” she said.

“Hobsons have seen the quality of the flavour of Shropshire Prune Damsons and created a delicious beer."

The Shropshire Prune variety of damson is believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans over two thousand years ago, having been named as such on a piece of tapestry dating from the late 1500s that is housed in the Shrewsbury museum.

Postman's Plum Porter is being sold in pubs in south Shropshire during December.